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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH advocates health and sanitation in Cebu; celebrates World Toilet Day

DOH advocates health and sanitation in Cebu; celebrates World Toilet Day

Published Nov 20, 2023 06:43 am

The Department of Health (DOH) marked World Toilet Day on Monday, Nov. 20, as part of its expansive community engagement initiative, "Biyaheng Kalusugan," held in Cebu City.

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Photo from DOH Facebook page

DOH said that the event aimed to impart practical knowledge on the "7 Healthy Habits para sa Healthy Pilipinas (for a healthy Philippines)" and boost efforts towards achieving Zero Open Defecation (ZOD).

The "Biyaheng Kalusugan" caravan featured interactive activities, including a comic book billboard emphasizing the significance of ZOD communities, a game booth educating participants on proper hygiene and sanitation, and a photo wall for commitment pledges towards fostering a safe and clean environment, the DOH noted.


"Poor sanitation not only poses health risks but also hinders our progress towards realizing universal health care," Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said.


"Let us seize this opportunity to create lasting change and ensure that every Filipino has access to safe and dignified sanitation facilities, all geared towards creating healthier settings and choices for everyone," he added. 

Moreover, DOH Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr. Alethea De Guzman underscored the importance of healthy communities.


"Healthy communities where there is access to safe water and sanitation facilities ensure that we are protected from illnesses, such as diarrhea, that may lead to hospitalization and death," she said. 

The health agency highlighted that the "Biyaheng Kalusugan" initiative and the commemoration of World Toilet Day align with the Department's 8-Point Action Agenda, specifically Agenda number five: Pag-iwas sa sakit (avoiding illness) and Agenda number six: Ginhawa ng isip at damdamin (comfort of the mind and emotions).

These agendas, as stated by the health department, aim to enhance health literacy and establish healthy communities with comprehensive well-being.

The DOH encouraged continued support and investment from public and private sector partners to sustain the adoption of healthy behaviors among Filipinos.
 
The event also witnessed the presence of notable figures such as Director Alethea De Guzman of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, Dir. Ana Liza Hombrado-Duran of the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Acting Mayor of Cebu City, Hon. Raymond Alvin Garcia, and Cebu City Health Officer Dr. Daisy Villa.

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